Budgetary moves for poor, farmers, women and youth show an inclusive approach

The interim budget has emphasised an all-round, all-pervasive and all-inclusive approach to achieve the target of making India a developed nation by 2047. 

To this end, the government is encouraging capacity building and empowerment of four target groups - the poor, farmers, women and youth.

In the last 10 years, the government has pulled 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty through direct benefit transfers, credit assistance to street vendors, and end-to-end support to artisans, craftsmen, and the disabled and transgender communities.

Farmers are receiving a leg-up from income support, coverage of risks through price and insurance support, promotion of technologies, and innovations through start-ups.

Schemes in dairy and fisheries are also generating multiple sources of income for farmers, while improving the quality and quantity of production.

The interim budget looks to reduce wastage of farm produce and improve farmer income through enhanced private and public investments in post-harvest activities, including aggregation, modern storage, efficient supply chains, primary and secondary processing, and marketing and branding.

The efficient use of technology can reduce consumption of fertilisers and pesticides, as well as improve production.

For women, the government is seeking empowerment through entrepreneurship, ease of living and dignity.

In rural areas, women generally work on their farms without remuneration or receive lower wages than their male counterparts.

The NAMO Drone Didi scheme aims to make them financially independent. It will supply drones to women to rent out to farmers for spraying pesticides and fertilisers. The scheme will also train women to operate and maintain drones.

For a level-playing field, women need access to credit, healthcare and education, which the interim budget provides.

So far, around 30 crore women have benefited from the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, reflecting their desire to expand business. Focusing on women’s health, the interim budget has proposed vaccination for girls aged 9-14 for prevention of cervical cancer, better healthcare facilities by upgrading Anganwadi centres, and improved healthcare cover through mediclaim policies.

As for the youth, 3,000 new Industrial Training Institutes, or ITIs, are being developed to make them well-equipped with understanding of new-age technologies.

Meanwhile, development of infrastructure for electric vehicles is generating employment for those possessing technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance. It is also providing entrepreneurship opportunities to vendors for supply and installation.

To conclude, therefore, the interim budget showcases an inclusive and sustainable approach to the nation’s development. It prioritises the current needs, aspirations and well-being of the people, eyeing socio-economic transformation.